West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to set up at least 1,000 schools run by the RSS-affiliated Vidya Bharati network across the state within a year. The initiative aims to provide nationalistic learning, with institutions planned for every district, municipality, and panchayat area. Adhikari also stated that the government would consider withholding financial aid from educational institutions that refuse to sing the complete version of the national song Vande Mataram.
The announcement drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Trinamool Congress figure Saugata Roy accused the government of trying to saffronise education and inject the RSS’s communal agenda into the schooling system. Additionally, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut questioned where qualified teachers for a thousand new schools would be sourced.
Education officials have not yet detailed a concrete rollout plan, funding structure, or teacher recruitment strategy for the proposed schools. While supporters argue the move addresses gaps in quality schooling access, critics contend it reshapes the education landscape along ideological lines.